EAST GOSHEN – During a special meeting Wednesday night, township supervisors voted to intervene in Sunoco’s pipeline applications to both neighboring West Goshen and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

According to East Goshen Manager Rick Smith, the board voted unanimously to approve a motion that would authorize attorney Margaret Morris of Reger, Rizzo and Darnell LP to file notices of intervention on behalf of the township in Sunoco LP’s applications.

At a meeting last week, West Goshen authorized Morris to intervene on its behalf in Sunoco’s zoning hearing with the township and in the state public utility applications process. According to West Goshen, Morris has extensive experience working with the Public Utility Commission.

By filing for intervention on both the zoning hearing and public utility hearing, East Goshen will become party to the proceedings, allowing it to present testimony and witnesses.

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Sunoco is looking for a special exception to West Goshen’s zoning regarding a pump station at the corner of Boot Road and Route 202. The company is seeking special exception to the township’s code to construct the combustion system above the 30 feet currently allowed. It is also seeking a special exception for a public utility in a residential area. The area is zoned for residential but allows for use by public utilities.

Sunoco also has an application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for an expedited review of its public utility status. If it gains that status in the state, the pipeline and its facilities, including the pump station, would be exempt from local regulations.

The project in West Goshen, part of Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline, includes the development of a pump enclosure, piping, valves and a vapor combustion system to be 34 feet high, according to the West Goshen zoning board. The pipeline also traverses East Goshen.

The pump station would be constructed over existing pipelines that Sunoco previously used to ship distilled petroleum. The pipelines would be repurposed to deliver natural gas liquids from the Marcellus Shale in western Pennsylvania to the Marcus Hook refinery in Delaware County. The pipeline would then cross into Delaware.

Sunoco’s applications have recently garnered controversy, with residents questioning the safety of the project as well as the validity of its statements that it should become a recognized public utility in Pennsylvania.

According to Smith, Morris said she will file the petitions Monday morning.